Asian Garlic Noodles are a quick and tasty dish filled with wonderful flavors. Made with noodles, garlic, and soy sauce, they are super easy to whip up and perfect for any meal!
Honestly, the smell of garlic sizzling in the pan is hard to resist! I love how I can make these noodles in no time, and they always hit the spot—whether it’s lunch or dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: Spaghetti works, but for an authentic touch, Asian egg noodles are amazing. If you’re gluten-free, try rice noodles or zucchini noodles as an alternative!
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor. If you’re out, garlic powder can work too, but use less as it’s more concentrated—about 1/4 tsp for every clove.
Butter: Unsalted butter is my favorite for cooking. However, you can use vegetable or olive oil for a lighter option. Margarine works in a pinch but watch the flavor!
Oyster Sauce: This sauce adds richness. If you avoid seafood, try mushroom sauce or soy sauce as a substitute. Just note you’ll miss some of the depth
Sauces: Hoisin sauce brings sweetness and complexity. If you can’t find it, a mix of soy sauce and a little sugar can mimic its effect.
How Can I Perfectly Sauté Garlic Without Burning It?
Sautéing garlic adds amazing flavor, but it can burn quickly. Here’s how to get it right:
- Use medium heat. Too high, and garlic burns; too low, and it won’t become fragrant.
- Keep an eye on it! Stir constantly for even cooking and immediate reaction when it turns golden.
- As soon as it’s golden and fragrant, it’s done. Don’t wait for it to darken too much!
With these tips, you’ll get tasty, fragrant garlic for your noodles every time!
Asian Garlic Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz spaghetti or Asian egg noodles
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (light or regular)
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (scallions)
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for heat
- Optional garnishes: toasted sesame seeds, extra green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for busy days, yet packed with flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Noodles:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your noodles and cook them according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Once done, drain the noodles and set them aside. It’s important not to overcook them, as they will continue to cook slightly in the pan.
2. Sautéing the Garlic:
In a large skillet or wok, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the finely minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant and golden. Watch it carefully, as garlic can burn quickly and turn bitter!
3. Making the Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium-low and add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and freshly ground black pepper to the skillet. Stir everything well to combine as it heats through for an extra minute.
4. Mixing in the Noodles:
Now, it’s time to add the cooked noodles to your skillet! Toss everything together gently, making sure the noodles are well coated in the delicious sauce.
5. Adding Green Onions:
Stir in most of the chopped green onions, but save a little for garnishing later. This will take your dish to the next level!
6. Serving:
Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the noodles to serving bowls. Don’t forget to garnish your dish with the reserved green onions. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or crushed red pepper flakes on top for extra crunch and a little heat!
7. Enjoy!
Serve your Asian Garlic Noodles immediately and enjoy a burst of flavor with every bite. Perfect as a side dish or as a main course!
Can I Use Different Types of Noodles?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works, consider using Asian egg noodles or rice noodles for an authentic taste. You could even try zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a low-carb option!
What If I Don’t Have Oyster Sauce?
No problem! You can substitute oyster sauce with mushroom sauce for a vegetarian option, or use a combination of soy sauce and a bit of sugar for a sweet and savory alternative.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of soy sauce or water to keep the noodles moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Definitely! For extra heat, add crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce or toss in some sliced fresh chili peppers while sautéing the garlic. Adjust the spice to suit your taste!
